Features

Last year’s Brown Bag Lunch with participating Womens Art Show artists.
Photo submitted by The Price Center

Pictured are Ambassadors; Michelle Blanc, Matthew Curtis, Cassandra Villareal, Batusi Mussa, Julia Harris, Stephanie Hoffman, Jenna Hardenberg, Briana Arredondo, Chamber staff; Dawn Schneider, Tarence Hines, and Gary Job Corps Susanne Ritter.
Photos submitted by Gary Job Corps

The iconic Andean Cock-of-the Rock is the species most responsible for drawing birding enthusiasts to Jardin. Amazingly, this male was one of many at a Lek — or mating area — just a few minutes’ walk from the historic city’s downtown area. You can encounter them outside the mating area, but encounters are likely to be brief here. The short walk and small fee are well worth it.
Photos by Justin Harris

One of four living species of Tapir, Mountain Tapir can reach up to 550 pounds. Females, like this individual that I spotted on the Otun-Quimbaya trail, are larger than males. Mountain Tapir are unique among Tapir species in that they are the only member of the family found outside of tropical lowlands. The other three species are the South American, Bairds and Asia’s Malayan Tapir. If you encounter one, enjoy the moment but be cautious. While usually shy, Tapir can be aggressive if provoked.
Photos by Justin Harris

Encountering Mountain Tapir at Otun-Quimbaya is a matter of luck and chance. Finding Red Howler Monkeys, though, is typically much easier. Among the largest species of monkey in the world, they are also among the most boisterous. Listening for their loud calls is an effective way of locating Howlers. Often, they can be completely quiet and you will catch them in the trees immediately above you.

Red-ruffed Fruitcrow are not crows, but members of a diverse and often-bizarre family of birds known as the cotingas. They are relatively slow-moving and this makes them an excellent target for wildlife photographers.
Photo by Justin Harris